http://waxpaperpark.blogspot.com/

Wax Paper Park is my effort to break my own cycles of perfectionism and fear.  I post my poetry, both new and old, 3ish times a week and then push it to facebook and twitter.  I want to be a writer but am scared to have people read what I write - this is my effort to start growing out of that fear and into who I really want to be.

http://motivatica.blogspot.com/

This blog is about my quest for motivation and organization.  It has been a long road and I am currently talking about the inventory process and what it has meant to my children.  

I hope that any of you find either of these interesting and/or helpful... thank you and I am psyched to be a new member of this network!

(Cross posting)

Hello!

I'm new to the forum and have a question about sleeping.  My 5 yo daughter (PDD-NOS) has gone through these cycles of not sleeping at night.... rather, she's never really slept more than 5-6 hours (rare) but lately she's not able to fall back asleep and is keeping everyone in the house awake in the process.  Her chatting to herself has become louder, too (delayed echolalia).

I have been giving her melotonin (3-5 mg per night) and it helps her fall asleep initially but not after she wakes up in the middle of the night.  Our ped suggested Benadryl (10 ml) but it seems to not really work more than giving her 3-4 hours of sleep.

She does have a weighted blanket (which she really likes and uses initially) but ends up kicking it off of her... maybe this is why she is waking up?  She also was given a trampoline for Christmas and jumps all day long. Plus, we use salt baths every night before bedtime.

My youngest step-daughter is 13 and has autism and an intellectual disability. She communicates fairly well but still struggles on a regular basis with personal hygiene and it is becoming an increasing concern for us.

She started her period last year and we've done what we could to prepare her for it. The first couple of months, she did well to tell me when she needed pads but she now isn't telling us and has ruined a lot of clothes because she isn't using a pad.

Has anyone else experienced issues of this sort? What would be a good place to start with her in getting her to remember to communicate her needs for period supplies?

Thanks in advance.

We want to move because we don't feel like our current state is a good enviornment for our autistic child. We are considering Indiana because they seem to have services that fit our needs. We also have heard that they have autism indiana. We don't know a lot about it, so if someone can offer more information that would be great. What states do you think are good for autism services?

Dear parents,

I've realized recently that I am an aspie.  Now I am wondering if my 3 youngest might be also.  My 8yr old son has an auditory processing disorder.  I'm wondering about his "quirks" now.  He is extrememly stuburn, will NOT eat veggies or several other foods (1st few years of his life he almost lived on bowls of melted shreded cheese), very picky about clothes, will not wear shoes.  He also talks REALLY loud.  And he dislikes loud sounds (gets scared at movies alot...will cover ears through lot of it).  He has never played with toys really.  He will watch his brothers play, but really doesn't play with them.  He has always seemed "old" for his age in some ways, but young in others.  He really does not know what is aceptable behavior for boys his age (hugs "friends" before leaving church and such.  I've seen the other boys make faces at him.  makes me sad)  What do yall think?  could it be AS? or am I reading too much into it? (really don't think I am over reacting myself but could be I guess)

Jamie

Editor's note: Alex B. Berezow is the editor ofRealClearScience. He holds a Ph.D. in microbiology.

(CNN) -- Finally, after 13 years of needless controversy, the British Medical Journal determined that Andrew Wakefield's vaccine-autism link constituted an "elaborate fraud."

Having already lost his medical license in the UK for unethical professional conduct, it is now time for him to be prosecuted.

With Autism Women's Network bidding an early goodbye to Pepsi, I am asking for each of you to consider throwing your full support behind CABF [Child and Adolecent Bipolar Foundation] for these final few days in Pepsi Refresh December 2010. AWN was privileged to partner in the Good Dreams BIG 10 Alliance  with CABF throughout this past month, and it appears they have the best chance to win a $250k grant in their category.  

Books for autistic PARENTS. I've been thinking about how great that would be. I love how many resources there are for parents raising ASD children, but what about moms and dads living with the disorder themselves? Especially if one parent (or the child[ren]) is NT.

Just a thought. I'm not a mother, but still think it would be awesome. I am an adult sibling, though, to a little one with Down's.